Living and working in Germany

Young woman in the street © Goethe-Institut

Have you decided to live in Germany permanently, for professional or private reasons? You will need German language skills and up-to-date information about life in Germany. The Goethe-Institut offers you quality support to best prepare you for a successful life in Germany.

Our offer

Virtual group advice and consultation

We offer group virtual consultations and appointments on topics such as our pre-departure training program, German everyday life and working culture, language proficiency and proof thereof, and exit procedures when leaving the country. 
Participants in these sessions DO NOT need to know each other, as the format is designed to address general topics of shared interest.  
You can register for an appointment using this form:
 

 

Information sessions

Our information sessions provide information about living and working in Germany. Additional topics such as language proficiency and proof thereof, recognition of qualifications and certificates, health and school systems and visa processes etc. are also explained. You can ask questions and find out about additional information sources and partners.
 

Intercultural Workshops

Experiencing different cultures, may cause uncertainty and frustration at first.  To live a fulfilling life in a foreign society, you need to build and maintain trust in the community.  Certain societal rules and norms need to be considered which are often unclear and confusing.  Our intercultural workshops address these cultural differences, promote self-awareness and provide you with essential skills to ensure a successful work and social life in Germany.

Workshops on learning and exam strategies

To take up employment in Germany, you need a certain level of German skills and to provide proof thereof. In our learning and exam workshops, we equip you with necessary strategies and support to ensure you are properly prepared for the various exams offered by the Goethe-Institut.

The following are dates for upcoming trainings in the various language levels:

Option 1
14th, 17th - 20th February: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Option 2
17th - 21st February: 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Option 3
17th - 21st February: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Option 4
24th - 28th February: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Option 5
24th - 28th February: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
 

CONTACT

Online offers by the Goethe-Institut

Mein Weg nach Deutschland

Find answers to frequently asked questions and useful information about living and working in Germany. Explore fun and interactive exercises to practice and improve your German skills.

Das Gesicht einer jungen dunkelhaarigen Frau ist vor dem Brandenburger Tor zu sehen im Sonnenlicht. Foto: © Alina Holtmann / Maridav Foto: © Alina Holtmann / Maridav

Practice German for free

Improve your language skills to facilitate and support your integration.

Man at computer © gettyimages © gettyimages

My Germany Booklet

  • Information about first orientation in Germany
  • Topics: First steps in Germany, getting a job, finances, family life, leisure time, finding help etc.
  • Language: basic German from A1 level

Graphic with writing: My Germany booklet © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Self-study online course

My Germany Course

  • Preparation for your life in Germany
  • Topics: First steps in Germany, work, finances, family life, leisure time, finding help etc.
  • Language: German from A2 level

Graphics with writing: My German Course © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Community

Alumniportal Deutschland

On the Alumniportal Deutschland you can network with people who are also preparing to move to Germany or who are already living and working in Germany.

The Germany Magazine

#DeutschlandNoFilter

The diversity of Germany in one magazine. #DeutschlandNoFilter presents dialects and book trends, series tips and insights into everyday working life, sports and music, sustainable ideas and special places that you should get to know. A magazine for everyone who is interested in Germany and loves the German language.

#DeutschlandNoFilter

To ensure you have a great start in Germany

If you have already applied for a visa or are already living in Germany, the Welcome Coaches at six Goethe-Instituts in Germany offer free events to help you get off to a good start in Germany and integrate successfully into everyday and working life.

Useful Links

The portal for international experts offering comprehensive information on living and working in Germany.

This portal provides tips and information about work and study and addresses current topics in Germany and abroad.

Start your career in Germany - with recognised qualifications through the ProRecognition Service.

This database provides information on educational certificates in classifying foreign qualifications in the German education system.

On the website of the German Embassy Kenia you will find information about different visa options, requirements and procedures for applications.
 

My life in Germany

Young people talk about their first steps in Germany, about their work, about their free time and their plans for the future.

Germany speaks to South Africans in a big way. Be part of the conversation.

Student talking about the benefits of learning German.

Hear from Vernon about his move, his experience and life in Germany. 

Vlog „Einen Schritt voraus“ mit Vernon aus Südafrika

Sine lives and works in Germany. Hear more about her experience in this video. 

Einen Schritt voraus with Sine from South Africa

  • Logo Co-funded by the European Union
  • Logo Pre-Integration and Transition Management

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